Losing a loved one is a difficult thing for anyone to cope with, but it can be especially hard if you live far away from your family and aren’t able to attend the funeral or other services.
Not only are there many details to think about as far as planning the service goes, there’s also a lot to handle emotionally and even physically, as grief can affect your body in several ways.
You may feel guilt because you can’t be there, and that guilt may extend to your inability to be with your loved ones during such a difficult time. However, it’s important to think not only of the people you care about, but your own well-being. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help yourself cope with the loss and get through a period of grief in a healthy way.
Here are some of the best ways to cope with the loss of a loved one from afar.
Stay connected
Sadness and grief can take a toll on your mood and ability to function, and it may be difficult for you to think about talking on the phone or seeing anyone. But it’s important to stay in touch with your loved ones during this time and keep communication open, and finding ways to do that–speaking on the phone, having video chats, or even writing letters the old fashioned way–can help you, your friends, and your family feel better.
Find support
It’s imperative for you to find support from one source or another, whether it comes from a close friend, a support group, or a family member who is also grieving. There are many support groups online that can help you find ways to deal with the pain of losing a loved one, and talking to someone who knows what you’re going through can help you heal a little faster.
Feel your way through it
Sometimes, grief leads people to turn to unhealthy coping methods, such as abusing substances. This usually only makes things worse and can turn into even bigger issues down the road, so instead of attempting to numb your pain, feel your way through it. Allow yourself to deal with your emotions and know that they are all normal, whether they’re related to anger, denial, or sadness. For more information on how to handle your grief in a healthy way, read on here.
Practice self-care
Taking care of yourself is an important part of the grieving process. Getting through the pain of losing someone you care about is rough emotionally, physically, and mentally, and it can be hard to even think about getting up to exercise or engaging in a social activity, but those are some of the best ways to cope. Isolating yourself, sleeping or eating too much or too little, and neglecting your needs can all make your grief seem that much worse. Make it a point to get outside and get active every day, even if it’s only to walk the dog, and don’t forget to eat and stay hydrated.
Good remembrance
Part of the grieving process is remembrance of the deceased. Look for ways to remember your loved one in a healthy, productive way, such as looking through old photo albums or watching family videos. Share these moments with your children, spouse, or family members; you can do this via social media for those who are far away. For more on how to adjust to your loss, you can find helpful tips in this article.
Grief can be tricky; it can sneak up on you out of the blue, just when you think you’ve begun to heal. It’s important, then, to make sure you have support even well after your loss occurs. Having someone to talk to can help immensely when you’re feeling overwhelmed.